Late 2013 machines suffer from having less L3 cache, that's why the Early 2013 and Mid 2012 models are faster in some cases.

Crystalwell (L4 cache) doesn't help much when most of it is clogged by the iGPU at almost any random time while you are viewing the desktop. Unless the dGPU kicks in, then in which case, L4 cache is freed up somewhat for the CPU to use, but then battery life would suffer.

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Graphic power

750m = 650m same

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650M has better driver support by now, and it is still overclocked so it is actually faster in some cases.

Late 2013 machines suffer from having less L3 cache, that's why the Early 2013 and Mid 2012 models are faster in some cases.

Crystalwell (L4 cache) doesn't help much when most of it is clogged by the iGPU at almost any random time while you are viewing the desktop. Unless the dGPU kicks in, then in which case, L4 cache is freed up somewhat for the CPU to use, but then battery life would suffer.

650M has better driver support by now, and it is still overclocked so it is actually faster in some cases.

Yep.

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So if I were to buy Early 2013 with 2.8ghz CPU (8MB Cache), only except a 1-hour battery life and SSD speed, Early 2013 will be a better choice overall (better price, same heat/noise, faster cpu, better gpu)

So if I were to buy Early 2013 with 2.8ghz CPU (8MB Cache), only except a 1-hour battery life and SSD speed, Early 2013 will be a better choice overall (better price, same heat/noise, faster cpu, better gpu)

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The late 2013 also has better wifi capabilities (AC) and thunderbolt 2.

I think if you need a dedicated graphic for gaming or designing, I think early 2013 high end model refurb might be a better choice.

Apple should've just included dedicated on all 15" models. It does not serve a purpose for just pricing it lower, since apple has a good refurb.

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Yeah I think you'd be stupid to buy a new 2013 (low end model) when you can buy a refurbed early 2013 for much much less plus the 650M. I also think it's stupid to buy the high end 2013 model just to get the 750M because you're literally paying $600 more just to get the same card as the 650M which would be $800 cheaper in price.

So if I were to buy Early 2013 with 2.8ghz CPU (8MB Cache), only except a 1-hour battery life and SSD speed, Early 2013 will be a better choice overall (better price, same heat/noise, faster cpu, better gpu)

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Well, as noted, there are other aspects that may affect the outcome of your choice.

Where performance is concerned, though, it may be true that the 2 machines are completely identical or the 2012 may be faster (more mature software support if nothing else) in most cases... so if that's your primary concern, I guess you are right that the Early 2013 may be the better choice overall.

While that is true because Apple crippled the 750M clock rate for some reason. You do get 1GB extra VRAM. Hitman Absolution on high textures looks beautiful and that hits 1500MB VRAM use easily.
Afaik many professional apps rather like lots of VRAM too as workstation GPUs like Quadro usually come with more VRAM then geforce.
In game it does offer some quality options that you won't get on 1GB VRAM or they mean a bigger performance cost or annoying texture popping on the 1gig card.

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